Method of competitive marksmanship and game therefore

ABSTRACT

The method of competitive marksmanship includes the steps of providing a first shooter with a first designated target system having a first target composition, the composition including various graphic elements. Respective selectable rule-based values are, in accordance with rules, assigned for respective graphic elements of the first target composition. A second shooter is provided with a second designated target system, the system having a second target composition, visually different from the first composition, and the target composition also including various graphic elements. Each respective graphic element of the second target composition is then assigned a rule-based respective value. As the game progresses, and in accordance with variations of the game, there is calculated a progressive accumulation of values resultant of a successful scoring of hits upon elements of the target composition of each shooter&#39;s respective designated target system, until a winner is declared.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel method of competitive marksmanship and, preferably, simulated combat marksmanship. An aspect of the present novel method of marksmanship lies in its use of novel types of targets, elements therein and novel rules for the use of the targets.

Historically, shooting targets have always been identical for each competitor as, for example, is shown in FIG. 1, labeled “Prior Art.”

Further, within the art of targets, numerous forms and types of single competitor targets, or like targets for use by multiple competitors, are known in the art. These for example are reflected in U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,470 (2001) to Miller, entitled Precise Aim Sighting Target; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,181 (2007) to Bateman, entitled Portable Shooting Target.

Also known in the art are targets of numerous different individual appearances as, for example, may be seen in The Glock FAQ target gallery website glockfaq.com/targets.htm. Therein are shown dozens of targets having almost every conceivable appearance and image thereupon. Various targets of other forms may be seen at www.lyndenhuggins.com/Hunting/Targets, www.tjtarget.com and site for “My Real Picture Targets” in which the targets consist of photographs of typical hunted animals, such as rabbits, deer and elk

There, as well, exist many dozens of United States design patents directed to the ornamental appearance of marksmanship targets. Some of these, for example, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 392,687 (1998) to Wilson, entitled Target Game and U.S. Des. Pat. No. 381,732 (1997) to Tenor, entitled Indicia for a Target are directed to a design portion of a target game, the rules of which however are not disclosed in said design patents. The same is similarly in the case in several other design patents, that is, the rules or protocols associated with a given ornamental target are not disclosed in any fashion in the design patent itself.

There also exists in the art psychedelic targets, as are reflected in U.S. Design Pat. No. 269,631 (1983) to Dulude, entitled Gun Target, again without any rules or protocol associated therewith. There also exists in the art actual battlefield or combat training target as is reflected in U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,265 (1994) to Prevou, entitled Battlefield Reference Marking System Signal Device.

Finally, there is shown in the prior art a system which simulates a complete hunting environment, that is, a virtual hunting range within an environment projected onto a hemispherical enclosure of the system. See United States Patent Application Publication US 2007/0015116 (2007) to Coleman, entitled Method of and Apparatus for Virtual Shooting Practice. The concept of a target projected by cinematic means has been known in the art since 1935, as is reflected in United Kingdom Patent No. 459,313 (1935) to Chollat, entitled Shooting Target with Cinematographic or Animated Pictures.

The concept of mechanically moveable or physically variable targets is also known as is reflected in published German Patent Specification DE 195 43 492 A1 (1997) to Stechemesser.

In distinction, the instant invention differs from those targets and target systems, above described, not only in its differences of appearance but, more particularly, in the manner and concept of use thereof. The invention also differs from all art of record in that it provides a unique platform for competitive marksmanship between two or more competitors of a type unlike that heretofore known in the art.

Yet further, the platform of a present game, as described below, is one having a potential for numerous variations thereof, as may suit the needs and preferences of particular competitors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of competitive marksmanship relative to specific target types, as is more fully set forth below. The method includes the steps of providing a first shooter with a first designated target system having a first target composition, the composition comprising a plurality of graphic elements. Therein, respective selectable rule-based values are, in accordance with rules, assigned for respective graphic elements of the first target composition. Thereafter, a second shooter is provided with a second designated target system, said system having a second target composition, visually different from said first composition, and said target composition also comprising a plurality of graphic elements. Thereafter, each respective graphic element of said second target composition is assigned a rule-based respective value. As the game progresses, and in accordance with variations of the game, there is calculated a progressive accumulation of values resultant of a successful scoring of hits upon elements of said target composition of each shooter's respective designated target system, until a winner is declared.

In broad concept, there exist three categories of targets, namely, full Force targets, split targets in which the players share the same firing lane or position, and mixed targets, also used when players share the same firing position or lane. In each of these three such categories, there exists in turn three bases upon which the competitive marksmanship may proceed, namely, unlimited time rules and slot limited time rules, and limited shot rules.

As may be more fully appreciated with respect to the following, the inventive method of competitive marksmanship has as object the provision of completely new and different kind of competitive shooting, namely, one in which each competitor shoots at a dissimilar target.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a novel method of marksmanship in which, within the context of shooting by each competitor at a dissimilar target, there exist a multiplicity of combinations and sub-combinations of target selection and therein distinct rules of time and shot selection. Each option thereof is yet subject to numerous refinements in order to add interest to the shooting experience and competitive stimulation thereof.

The above and yet other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims appended herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the prior art method of competitive marksmanship in which two competitors are shooting at separate like targets.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the basic target and rule variations applicable to the present method, as well as the variations which are available within each target/rule sub-rule.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are examples showing the use of dissimilar targets comprising different elements within the target composition of each respective competitor.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a target in accordance with the present invention showing the split field type target.

FIG. 5 is a view of the target used with the present method, employing so-called mixed targets.

FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 3A in which however a graphic expression of the elements of the first target composition of the first designated target system of the first shooter is shown.

FIG. 7 corresponds to FIG. 3B in which however a graphic expression of the elements of the second target composition comprising the second designated target system used by the second shooter is shown,

FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 4 in that it shows a graphic expression of a target of the split target type.

FIG. 9 corresponds to the schematic of FIG. 5 however showing a graphic expression of the respective elements of each of the respective target compositions and elements of a mixed target system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1 (Prior Art), there is shown a representative shooting and target format for competitive marksmanship as it is generally known in the art. Therein, as may be noted, each competitor, noted in FIG. 1 as Competitor 1 and Competitor 2 shoots at identical targets 10 and 12 having thereon identical graphics 14 which, in the classical type of target, is simply that of a series of concentric circles, although enumerable other target configurations are known, as is set forth in the Background of the Invention. Therein, competitors fire a given number of shots and the shooter having the most closest to the center of their respective targets thereby score the highest number of points and win the competition.

In the instant inventive method, there is offered an entirely new and different format of competitive marksmanship in which, at essence, each competitor shoots at a dissimilar target. As such, the experience of competitive shooting may be expressed not only with traditional guns, pistols, rifles or arrows but, alternatively, in electronic form or in a children's analog in which non-lethal bullets are used in the shooting device. Paramount in the instant method is that each competitor shoots at a dissimilar target and that each dissimilar target is defined by a particular target composition comprising a multiplicity of graphic elements that provide to the target composition in distinctive character or connotation.

An overview of the rules which govern the method of competitive marksmanship, also termed herein the “rules of engagement,” begin (see FIG. 2) with a target type selection, that is, a selection between three different types of respectively dissimilar targets. In the so-called full Force target selection, each competitor is provided with an entirely separate target 16 and 18 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), thereby completely isolating Force elements 20 of Force A from Force elements 30 of Force B that appear in target 18 (also target B). Simply stated, competitor one will shoot at target A/16 while competitor two will shoot at target B/18. Therein, all of the shown elements 20 will, as a group, comprise a first target composition 24 of a first designated target system 16. Similarly, a second shooter (competitor 2) is provided with a second designated target B/18 having a second target composition 26 and therein a multiplicity of graphics which are common in theme or connotation with all other graphic elements 30 (Force B) of target B/18. The same is conversely true with target A. Elements 30 will exhibit an opposite or opposing connotation of these of elements 20. This form of practice of the inventive method is reflected in the left hand one third of the flow diagram of FIG. 2. It is to be appreciated that elements 20 are expressed as a plurality thereof, namely, elements 20.1 to 20.5. The same is true of elements 30, shown as elements 30.1 to 30.5.

In the next general mode in which the inventive method may be practiced, there are provided so-called split targets 100 and 102 (see FIG. 4) upon a single physical target 104 which is used when the respective shooters or competitors wish to share the same firing position or lane. However, within the respective upper and lower portions 100 and 102 of the split target 104 are provided the same respective designated target systems, namely, first designated target system 116 and second designated target system 118 as are correspondingly employed in the separate so-called individual full Force targets shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Similarly, within each respective split target 100 and 102 is shown a similar or comparable first target composition 124 and second target composition 126. Therein, in similar to that fashion above described with respect to separate targets A and B shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively are a multiplicity of graphic elements 120 of first target composition 124 of split target 104 and second graphic elements, visually different from those first composition 124. These would take the form of elements 130, which, in aggregate, correspond to Force B, related in subject matter or connotation to that of Force B elements 30 of target composition 26 target B/18 shown in FIG. 3B.

In summary, split targets 100 and 102, which, in combination, comprises physical target 104, each exhibiting a correspondence, but typically having fewer elements therein, to Force A/element 20 of FIG. 3A and Force B/elements 30 of target B, above described, of FIG. 3B.

The instant method of competitive marksmanship may be executed in a yet further physical format, namely, that of so-called mixed target 200 (see FIG. 5). Therein, as is the case in FIGS. 3 and 4, all Force A elements are indicated by a square and all Force B elements by a circle or oval, Force A elements being denoted by reference numerals 220 in FIG. 4, and Force B elements by reference numerals 230 in FIG. 5. Accordingly, as may be appreciated with regard to said figure, graphic elements 220.1 to 220.6 and 230.1 to 230.6, of the respective Forces are mixed, or interspersed with each other in the mixed target 200 of the invention. Therein, the first and second target compositions 224 and 226 are intermixed although the elements 220 and 230 thereof retain their particular opposing appearance or identity.

With reference to FIG. 6, there is shown the appearance, in graphic expression, of target A of Competitor 1 in FIG. 3A. Therein, the graphic expression of Force A element 20.1 is shown as a Zero aircraft of design element 20A.1. The target A/16 Force A element 20.2 is expressed as elements 20A.2 which is a rendering of a Kate aircraft. The same correspondence proceeds throughout FIG. 6, that is, target A/16 design element 20A.3 comprising a graphic expression of element 20.3 of Force A; design element 20A.4 comprising a design element expression of Force A element 20.4, the aircraft carrier element 28A.5 in FIG. 6 comprising a graphic expression of element 20.5 of Force A of target A/16, and the aircraft carrier 20A.6 of FIG. 6 comprising a graphic element corresponding to Force A element 20.6 of target A/16.

In FIG. 6 is shown a similar correspondence relative to the conceptual view of FIG. 3B showing target B/18. That is, graphic element 30A.1 of FIG. B corresponds to element 30.1 of FIG. 3B; 30A.2 to element 30.2; 30A.3 to element 30.3; 30A.4 to element 30.4; 30A.5 to element 30.5, and 30.6 to aircraft carrier 30A.6 of FIG. 6.

With respect to the split target protocol 104 shown in FIG. 4 and described above, the graphic expression thereof is shown in FIG. 8 as a single target 104A. Therein the upper field 100A of split target of FIG. 8 is seen to represent a graphic expression of the conceptual target 100 shown in FIG. 4. More particularly, element 120.1 is expressed in target 100A as a Sherman tank 120A.1; element 120.2 of target 100 is expressed as personnel and machine gun carrier 120A.2 in target 100A of FIG. 8. The same form of graphic expression corresponds throughout target 100A, that is, element 120.3 of FIG. 4 corresponding to graphic element 120A.3; element 120.4 corresponding to the tank of element 120A.4 of FIG. 4; element 120.5 corresponding to the Sheffield tank of element 120A.5; and element 120.6 of FIG. 4 corresponding to element 120A.6 expressed as artillery piece on target 100A of FIG. 8.

As may be noted, lower field composition 118 of lower target 102 corresponds to the lower target 102A shown in FIG. 8 in which each of the graphic elements thereof represents graphic expressions of the elements 130 of Force B shown in FIG. 4. Therein, element 130.1 corresponds to the Mark 4 Panzer tank of element 130A.1; element 130.2 corresponds to the armored personnel half track of element 130A.2 of FIG. 8; element 130.3 corresponds to the armored personnel carrier and mobile machine gun of element 130A.3; element 130.4 of target field 118 of target B of FIG. 4 is expressed as element 130A.4 upon target 102A of FIG. 8; element 130.5 is expressed as element 130A.5; and element 130.6 is expressed as element as 130A.6 on lower target 102A of split target 104A in FIG. 8.

With reference to the mixed target embodiment of the present invention, the graphic expression of the mixed target, target 200, of FIG. 4 is shown as target 200A in FIG. 9. Therein it may be appreciated that, within the interdispersal of Force A elements with Force B elements upon field 224 (field 224A in FIG. 9) is a mix of the forces of the respective shooters. In FIG. 9, aircraft of World War II vintage Royal Air Force are shown interspersed between “enemy” German aircraft of the same period. All Force A elements begin with the digits 220 while all element of the opposing Force begin with the digits 230. Therefrom, it may be seen that Force A element 220.1 of FIG. 4 is expressed as Force A element 220A.1 in FIG. 9; Force A element 220.2 is expressed as element 220A.2; Force A element 220.3 as element 220A.3; and Force A element 220.5 as Force A element 220A.5 in FIG. 9. Correspondingly, with respect to Force B, element 230.1. of FIG. 4 as expressed as Force B element 230A.1 in FIG. 9; element 230.2 as element 230A.2; element 230.3 as element 230A.3; element 230.4 of FIG. 4 is element 230A.4 of FIG. 9; element 230.5 as element 230A.5, and element 230.6 as element 230A.6 of FIG. 9. Therein, opposing “allied” and “enemy” forces, that is, Forces A and B are shown interspaced with each other in the target 200A of FIG. 9 at which both competitors/shooters attempt to score in accordance with the rules of engagement set forth herein.

With reference to the flow chart of FIG. 2, there is shown the above set forth methods of target selection, namely, full Force (FIGS. 3A and B), split target (FIG. 4), and mixed target (FIG. 5). However, with respect to further terms, conditions or limitations with which each of said forms of target may be employed, these areas relate to the basic rules of engagement, i.e., unlimited time for shooting, shooting within a limited time, and limited shot rules. As noted in FIG. 2, these are defined as follows:

Unlimited time: each side fires at respective targets, whether at the full Force, split, or mixed type, until one side eliminates all of the targets in a designated target system.

Limited time: a predetermined total amount of time, as stipulated, within which each shooter is permitted to attempt to score. Within that limited time, each shooter is permitted an unlimited number of shots at his designated target system, namely, Force A or Force B.

Limited shot rules: each shooter/player is permitted a pre-determined number of shots at his selected first or second target composition.

Within any of the above nine target/rule selections, shown in FIG. 2, various additional limitations or rules may be agreed upon by the parties in each of the target/variations, these as follows:

1. Kill ratio basis of scoring. In either of the ‘limited’ versions of the game, at the end of the game, scores are determined by adding the “kill ratios” of all individual components of a “force” that has been completely eliminated. For example, if there five are individual elements 20/30, each with a “kill ratio” of 3, and they have each been hit three times, they would represent a score of 15. However, if one of those components had only been hit twice, that element would not score any points.

2. Qualifying shots. Contestants determine what constitutes a ‘hit’ on target, for example, whether flags, masts and/or antennae on ships constitute a hit (see Handicapping below).

3. Target order/Contestants may determine the order in which the targets are to be engaged, for example, all fighter aircraft must be eliminated before bombers may be targeted. Other forms of “Target Order” may be: order of target value (i.e., targets are to be destroyed in ascending/descending order or value), or row order (i.e., front rank first, and the like).

4. Target elimination. Contestants may determine that once a target with a “kill ratio” of two or more has been hit once, then that target must be completely, eliminated before any other target may be acquired.

5. Order of firing. Contestants may decide, particularly when sharing a firing position, to alternate either single or a specified number of shots, or elect an independent ‘fire at will.’

6. Penalties for infraction: A penalty may be applied to any infraction of the agreed upon “rules of engagement.” Examples of infractions may include: exceeding the time allowed (if applied to the limited time variant of the game), exceeding the agreed number of shots (if applying the limited shot version of the game), requiring eliminating individual components of Force A or B before acquiring another element of the target composition, and hitting elements out-of-order. Such penalties are of course agreed upon before the commencement of the game and, penalties for such infraction may include the following:

1. Point reduction: a competitor's score may be reduced if one of the agreed rules of engagement are breached.

2. Shot deduction: if playing the limited shot version of the game, infractions may call for a reduction of total number of shots allowed.

3. Time deduction: if using the limited time variant of the game, points may be deducted for a time infraction or, in the case of individual time shots, the player's next shot time allocation may be reduced.

4. Handicapping: Handicapping may be applied either as another form of penalty, or as a means of equalizing any unfair advantage due to differing skill levels or experience. Handicapping may include:

“kill Ratios”—Higher “kill ratios” may be applied to one player/team to equalize skill levels or as a penalty. When using any of the scoring versions of the game, then the original score value of each component will apply to both sides, irrespective of the number of hits required for that component to be eligible to score.

“Target Zones”—Specific target zones may be applied to individual components to make it more difficult to eliminate/score. For example, it may be determined that for one player/team, only shots to aircraft from the cockpit to the propeller—or only shots on ships above the hull—or only shots to tanks above the tracks—constitute a hit.

“Target Range”—Particularly with “Full Force” targets, distance to target is adjusted to allow for differences in skill levels.

While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith. 

1. A method of competitive marksmanship relative to a target, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first shooter with a first designated target system having a first target composition, said composition comprising a multiplicity of graphic elements; (b) assigning respective selectable rule-based values for destruction of respective elements of said first target composition; (c) providing a second shooter with a second designated target system, the system having a second target composition, visually different from said first composition, said second target composition comprising a multiplicity of graphic elements; (d) assigning respective rule-based values for destruction of each respective graphic element of said second target composition; and (e) calculating a progressive accumulation of values resultant of successful scoring of sufficient hits upon elements of said target composition of each shooter's respective designated target system, until a winner is declared.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, in which said providing Steps (a) and (c) each comprise: providing each designated target system upon a separate physical target.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1, in which said providing Steps (a) and (c) each comprise: providing each designated target system upon the same physical target.
 4. The method as recited in claim 3, in which said first target system, inclusive of its said target composition, comprises the step of: displaying each said composition upon a part of said target distinct from which said second system is displayed.
 5. The system as recited in claim 3, in which said elements of a target composition of each of said target systems are interspersed between and about each other.
 6. The method a recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of: expressing each graphic element of each target composition as a military vehicle, vessel or aircraft.
 7. The method as recited in claim 6, in which each said vehicle, vessel or aircraft of each respective target composition of said first designated target system comprises an image associated with a military adversary of images of graphic elements of said target composition of said second target system.
 8. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of: scoring at least one element of at least one target composition in relationship to a location upon said target of a hit, said location having a pre-determined respective different value than other locations upon a like element.
 9. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of: placing a selectable valuation upon elements of each target composition in a fashion selectably equal or greater in value to different elements of said target composition.
 10. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing a n^(th) shooter with an n^(th) designated target system having an n^(th) target composition comprising a multiplicity of graphic elements; and assigning respective selectable hits values for respective elements of said target composition.
 11. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of: selection by a first shooter of that target system at which he wishes to shoot.
 12. The method as recited in claim 9, said method further comprising: a method of competitive target marksmanship between said respective shooters.
 13. The method as recited in claim 3, further comprising the step of: providing to said shooters the same physical target when said respective shooters wish to fire from a like position or lane.
 14. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising the step of: providing unlimited scoring opportunities to each shooter; declaring a winner when sufficient elements of an opponent target system are scored upon to a number of times defining a destruction of said target composition of opponent system.
 15. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing a limited number of scoring opportunities to each shooter; and declaring a winner based upon that shooter having a highest accumulation of hit values after said limited number of scoring opportunities by each shooter has been exhausted.
 16. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising the steps of: providing a limited timeframe within each shooter may attempt to score hits upon said design elements of said target composition of his selected designated target system; and declaring a winner based upon greatest accumulate hit value by one shooter within said time frame.
 17. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising the step of: establishing a number of successful scoring hits upon pre-selected respective graphic elements as a requisite to a declaration that a particular element of a composition has been destroyed and therefore the shooter thereof may be credited with the value of destruction of said element and said value added to said shooter's progressive accumulation of hit values.
 18. The method as recited in claim 17, further including the step of: printing upon each said pre-selected graphic element a number corresponding to said number of successful hits upon a given graphic element necessary for it to be declared destroyed.
 19. The method as recited in claims 17, further comprising the step of: providing unlimited scoring opportunities to each shooter; declaring a winner when all elements of an opponent target system are scored upon to a number of times defining a destruction of each element.
 20. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising the steps of: providing a limited number of scoring opportunities to each shooter; and declaring a winner based upon that shooter having a highest accumulation of hit values after said limited number of scoring opportunities by each shooter has been exhausted.
 21. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising the steps of: providing a limited timeframe within each shooter may attempt to score hits upon said design elements of said target composition of his selected designated target system; and declaring a winner based upon greatest accumulate hit value by one shooter within said time frame.
 22. The method as recited in claim 1, in which said step of calculating a progressive accumulation of value further comprises the step of: defining a sequence in which each respective shooter must achieve a hit for it to be registered to his credit.
 23. The system as recited in claim 9 in which said step of calculating a progressive accumulation of value further comprises the step of: defining a sequence in which each respective shooter must achieve a hit for it to be registered to his credit.
 24. The system as recited in claim 22, in which said steps of defining a sequence selectably include: defining a sequence by type of design element, by order of element types of like value, by elements by ascending element value, by elements by descending element value; or by geometrically defined locations upon said target.
 25. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: expressing each designated target upon an electronic or photonic medium to enable scoring attempts of said respective shooters and employing digital means to record and total said progressive accumulation of values and totals upon completion of a competition.
 26. The system as recited in claim 9, further comprising the steps of: expressing each designated target upon an electronic or photonic medium to enable scoring attempts of said respective shooters and employing digital means to record and total said progressive accumulation of values and totals upon completion of a competition. 